AABRYT Foundation promotes menstrual health among WBM Zion SHS students

The AABRYT Foundation has intensified efforts to promote menstrual health awareness among adolescents with a sensitisation and mentorship programme for students of WBM Zion Senior High School (SHS).

The initiative, held under the theme “From Cycle to Career: Empowering Girls for Healthy Living and Future Success,” sought to educate students on menstrual hygiene, break stigma surrounding menstruation and empower girls to manage their menstrual health with confidence and dignity.

 Speaking at the programme, the Founder and Executive Director of the AABRYT Foundation, Ms Diana Akosua Adutwumwaa Britwum, said menstrual health remained a critical issue affecting the well-being, confidence and academic performance of many girls.

She noted that inadequate knowledge, limited access to sanitary products and persistent misconceptions about menstruation often prevented girls from fully participating in school activities.

“Menstrual health is not just a girls’ issue; it is a societal issue that requires collective understanding and support,” she said.

According to her, the Foundation was committed to ensuring that young girls, particularly those in underserved communities, received the education and support needed to manage their menstrual health safely and confidently.

Ms Britwum stressed the importance of involving boys in conversations about menstruation to help eliminate stigma and foster respect and empathy among students.

 “When one part of society lacks understanding, the entire society suffers from silence, stigma and misinformation,” she stated.

She explained that creating supportive environments for girls was essential to promoting their physical, emotional and academic development.

Ms Britwum disclosed that the Foundation had distributed more than 20,000 sanitary pads to over 5,000 girls across the Eastern, Ashanti, Greater Accra, Central, Oti and Volta regions as part of its menstrual health intervention programmes.

The headmistress of WBM Zion SHS, Mrs Abena Owarewaa Debrah, commended the foundation for the initiative, describing it as timely and beneficial to the students.

 She said the menstrual health education sessions would equip girls with practical knowledge on proper hygiene practices and help them develop confidence during their menstrual cycles.

Mrs Debrah noted that many girls still faced challenges discussing menstrual issues openly due to cultural misconceptions and social stigma, making such educational programmes necessary.

 She expressed optimism that the knowledge gained would encourage students to adopt healthy menstrual practices and support one another.

The workshop formed part of the Foundation’s “Glow, Grow and Bold Futures” initiative and brought together health professionals, mentors and security personnel to educate students on menstrual health, personal development and future opportunities.

By Esinam Jemima Kuatsinu